King Carew, a previous course and distance winner, overturned 2/5 favourite Banasan in the featured Supermac's Summer Hurdle at Limerick and was the first leg of a double for trainer Michael Hourigan.
Hourigan later stated 'he is always knocking on the door and should win another few races. He is very well bred and actually ran in the Epsom Derby.' The winner was ridden by the trainer's son Paul and was his first Irish win since returning from a spell in England.
Michael Hourigan completed his double when Achilles Spirit defeated the Shane Broderick trained We'rejustfriends in the 67-102 Handicap Hurdle after receiving an excellent ride from Timmy Murphy. The winner was produced to lead between the final two flights and went clear to win by three and a half lengths. Hourigan later praised Murphy's handling of the gelding before admitting that 'it was a pity one of my horses denied Shane (Broderick) his first training win.'
The opening Mares Maiden Hurdle was won in fortunate circumstances by C'est Fantastique who benefitted from the fall of the three length leader Slaney Fox at the second last. At the line C'est Fantastique, under Ruby Walsh, had four lengths to spare over Mexican Miss. Winning trainer Michael O'Brien was absent but his representative Denis Cullen mentioned that the daughter of Hernando should improve when stepped up in distance.
Jockey/trainer Pat Verling has the Galway Hurdle in mind for his Sabadilla after partnering the son of Sadler's Wells to victory in the 0-135 Handicap Hurdle. The winner showed a good turn of foot when quickening clear before the final flight to defeat Coralpha by seven lengths.
Trainer John Murphy was a relieved man after his Really finally lost her maiden status in the mile and a half Qualified Riders' Race. Really hit the front on the turn for home but needed strong driving from Andrew McNamara to hold the challenge of Govamix by half a length. Murphy later stated 'She has been placed six times and needed a change of luck. Her dam was a Listed winner and we'll try to gain some blacktype eventually.'
Sean Treacy's Il En Reve, under Mark Grant, battled well when defeating his fifteen rivals in the three mile Maiden Hurdle.
The concluding Bumper saw a tight finish between newcomer Major Burns and eventual winner Montys Bank who received a strong drive from Denis Cullen to win by a short head.
Thomas Weekes
